A ROSSENDALE library is to close to the public for four months while it undergoes a £500,000 makeover.

Crawshawbooth Library, in Adelaide Street will be shut from Friday November 28 to allow for the complete refurbishment of the existing premises, improved facilities and the provision of new services for the whole community.

The dilapidated premises are currently occupied by Lancashire County Council (LCC) as a library and a youth and community centre, with part of the building being run as a clinic by the East Lancashire Primary Care Trust (PCT).

A total of £495,000 is being invested by the county council to extend and refurbish the local library as well as the youth and community centre.

As part of the development, the library will double in size and include a new roof, windows, rewire, and heating system as well as improved thermal and fire resisting efficiencies.

Nick Bury, district manager for Rossendale Libraries at Lancashire County Council said: "The proposals for Crawshawbooth Library involve making better use of premises which are badly in need of renovation.

“This project will combine the existing Library and Community Centre on Adelaide Street into a purpose deigned flexible space. The PCT Clinic will be situated on the bottom floor, with a lift installed for access to all levels.

“Following the principles of regeneration used in other libraries around the county, we will be working closely in partnership with the Youth and Community Service, to provide a shared space with facilities for young people including a larger ICT suite for the public.”

The plans will be available to view at the Community Centre, Adelaide Street, on Thursday November 20 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

The nearest libraries open to the public during this period are:

  • Rawtenstall Library, Queen's Square, Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, BB4 6QU
  • Bacup Library, St James Square, Bacup, OL13 9AH
  • Haslingden Library, Deardengate, Haslingden, Rossendale, BB4 5QL
  • Burnley Library, Grimshaw Street, Burnley, BB11 2BD.

A mobile library service also visits the Goodshaw/Loveclough area once a fortnight.

Books and other loaned items can be returned or renewed at any Lancashire County Council library.

For more information visit Lancashire County Council's Library and Information Service website.